John

Check out all the previous John readings here.

John Reading Plan | Week 8, Day 5

Prayer

As you draw near to spend time with Jesus, quiet your mind and body until you feel completely present. Express your gratitude to Jesus for coming to save you!

Bible Reading: John 13:31-38

Read these verses three times slowly.

When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.

“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! Reflection & Questions

By Ken Mullette

Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. This love goes beyond any affection or kindness we may experience in our daily lives; it is a sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional love. It is a love that prioritizes others, even at great personal cost. This kind of love reflects the heart of Jesus, and He calls His followers to live in the same way. Just as a child might eagerly try to emulate their parents, often expressing a desire to imitate their parent’s actions out of love and admiration, we, too, may want to follow Jesus’ example.

Jesus says that the world will recognize His disciples by their love for one another. This love is not just a fleeting feeling but a visible, active demonstration of Christ’s character. It is a reflection of God’s unconditional love for us. Just like a child might try to reflect the characteristics of their parents, the world should see us reflecting the love of Jesus in our actions toward others. When we love as He loves, we point others toward the Kingdom of God.

Peter, in his zeal, tells Jesus that he is willing to follow Him even to the point of death. Yet, Jesus gently reveals that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. Much like a child’s earnest desire to emulate a parent, Peter’s intentions were genuine, but he would fall short. Just as a child might try to do things on their own without fully understanding how or being capable of it, we, too, struggle to live up to the standard of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. But, just as a parent would lovingly correct a child and support them through their mistakes, Jesus offers us grace and forgiveness when we fail, knowing our hearts and recognizing our weaknesses.

1. How can you actively model sacrificial love to others, especially those who are difficult to love?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on Jesus’ grace and strength?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to the reading today.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?